Abstract
Purpose: :
To investigate the protection effect of Astaxanthin (ASX), a xanthophyll carotenoid from the marine algae Hematococcus pluvialis, against light-induced retinal damage.
Methods: :
Albino rats were divided into three groups including control, ASX treated(100mg/kg), ASX treated (1mg/kg). Rats were treated with ASX approximately 1 hour before 12-hours exposure to 3000-lux white LED light. After 7 days exposure, protective effect of ASX was evaluated functionally by electroretinogram(ERG) and histologically by counting retinal apoptosis.
Results: :
After exposure to light, control rats had a 81% loss of ERG A-wave amplitudes. Compared with control rats, ERG A-wave amplitudes were significantly higher in 100mg/kg(P<0.005), and 1mg/kg(P<0.01) ASX-treated rats. Retinal TUNEL staining showed apoptosis was observed in all groups; however ASX treatment significantly decreased the percent of apoptotic cells when compared to non treated group.
Conclusions: :
Astaxanthin might have protective effect against light-induced retinal damage in rats.
Keywords: antioxidants • retina • electroretinography: non-clinical